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Abstract

Introduction:

Hexahydrocannabinols (HHCs), referred to as (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC diastereoisomers, are poorly studied cannabinoids naturally found in small concentrations in the pollen and the seeds of the hemp plants.

Aim:

In this study, for the first time, we describe the finding of (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC in two commercialized hemp derived products.

Methods:

The achievement of reference standards by semisynthetic or isolation approach allows us to develop and validate a gas chromatography mass spectrometry method for the identification and quantification of HHCs in hemp-derived resin.

Results:

The two analyzed samples showed percentage of 42.5 and 41.5 for (9R)-HHC and of 23.6 and 23.6 for (9S)-HHC.

Conclusions:

Despite the lack of in-depth studies about HHCs activity, potency, toxicity, and safety, these cannabinoids are emerging on the light-cannabis (hemp) market probably because legislations still do not clearly regulate them. Since analytical assay for hemp-derived products usually include only Δ⁹-THC, THC-A, CBD, and CBD-A, a thorough investigation could be carried out to reveal the possible addition of “new” compounds that might be a matter of safety.

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Hexahydrocannabinol on the Light Cannabis Market: The Latest “New” Entry